Electromagnetism

Magnetic fields
Compass
A small compass is used to establish
the direction of the magnetic field at
any point near a magnet.
N S



















The direction of the magnetic field is from N to S outside
the magnet and from S to N inside the magnet.
A magnetic
field is called
a B field.
Magnetic field lines
Compasses & magnetic field
1
Magnetic field about straight conductor
There is a magnetic field about a straight current-
carrying conductor.
This field consists of concentric circles and can be
studied by using iron filings or small compasses as in
the sketches below.
Magnetic field of a straight current-carrying wire
click here
Field about wire
2
Direction of magnetic field about
straight conductor
Clasp the conductor with the
right hand thumb pointing in
the direction of conventional
current flow.
The fingers now curl in the
direction of the magnetic field.
3
Direction of magnetic field about
straight conductors
Direct current into page (x in
circle) produces a clockwise
field.
Current out of page (dot in
circle) produces an
anticlockwise field.
Check with right-hand rule.
Now see how the fields interact if there are currents in parallel
conductors.
Currents in same direction
attraction.
Currents in opposite directions
repulsion.
4
Direction of magnetic field about
straight conductors
Magnetic fields
about parallel
conductors
Attraction Repulsion
Attraction between currents in
the same direction
5
Direction of magnetic field about
straight conductors
The following diagrams shows the magnetic
field (B) about a loop (or single coil) of wire.
North
South
N
o
r
t
h

S
o
u
t
h

Magnetic field through a
loop of wire
6
Direction of magnetic field about a
solenoid
A solenoid is just a coil of wire as in sketch below.
Draw this circuit and then draw the magnetic field
about the coil.
Is there any resemblance to the field about a
magnet?
Field in a solenoid
Make an electromagnet
7
Direction of magnetic field about a
solenoid
Looks
just like
the field
about a
magnet.
8
Right hand solenoid rule
Clasp the solenoid in the right hand pointing the
curled fingers in the direction of the direct current
flow.
The thumb now points to the North pole of the field
about the solenoid.
Field about a solenoid
9
Environmental impact of overhead
electrical cables
In SA voltages in overhead power transmission lines
are up to 765 kV & are dangerous.
Environmental concerns are:

1. Health hazard
2. Animal hazard
3. Visual impact
4. Land use

Briefly discuss your views on the above.

What are the possible solutions?
Safety & power lines
10